MichaelKopelman

Partner

Office Location:
Lawrenceville, NJ
Email:
mkopelman@edisonventures.com
Phone:
609-873-9223
“There is no greater rush than partnering with remarkable, passionate entrepreneurs.”

After starting his career as an investment banker in New York and San Francisco, Michael returned to his UPenn stomping ground and leads Edison's Pennsylvania and Delaware investment team.

Michael’s background is with consumer technology and guides our e-commerce & consumer investment strategy, one of Edison’s growing segments.

Michael is Co-President of Wharton Private Equity Partners, Wharton’s global alumni association for private equity and venture capital professionals. He is also active with regional organizations, including Ben Franklin Technology Partners, PACT, ACG and Early Stage East.

Michael has over 12 years of venture investing, corporate finance and entrepreneurship with software, e-commerce and financial services organizations. Michael leads Edison's e-commerce and consumer investment sector, and is a member of the financial services team. He also guides the investment team in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Michael is a frequent speaker at entrepreneurial events, technology conferences and financing seminars.

Prior Experience

Michael began his career as an investment banker with Credit Suisse First Boston where he advised large retail and consumer products companies on numerous M&A and financing transactions. In 1999, Michael left CSFB to launch E*OFFERING, a venture-backed online investment bank affiliated with E*TRADE. He launched several new online products, including the first web-based roadshow for retail investors. E*OFFERING was acquired one year after its launch by SoundView Technology Group, where he remained to lead the firm's internet & e-commerce investment banking franchise.

Michael is active in regional venture, entrepreneurial and technology organizations, including PACT, ACG and Early Stage East. He is currently Co-President of Wharton Private Equity Partners and past Co-Chair of the Wharton Private Equity Conference.

Other Investment Experience

Archive Systems; Billtrust; Fishbowl Marketing; FolioDynamix; RewardsNOW

Education

BA, Economics, University of Pennsylvania, cum laude

MBA, The Wharton School, with honors

I guess you could say entrepreneurship runs in my blood. My grandfather was in the venture capital business. I fondly remember visiting some of his portfolio companies at a young age. I loved watching him in action: “step on the gas…” “watch your cashflows…”  What a cool job. Where else can you interact with passionate, brilliant entrepreneurs on this level?   

Even though my father is a professor of management and brother is a seed-stage venture capitalist, Kopelman family get-togethers aren’t all business. Our kids generally help guide the conversation to more important things, like Buzz Lightyear, ice hockey and Mary Poppins.